Cooper: We'll fight for our pride

Wales scrum-half Gareth Cooper has warned England they will face a team desperate to regain their self-respect in the RBS 6 Nations clash at the Millennium Stadium.

The Bath number nine is one of eight changes in a side given the task of restoring Welsh pride following the historic and 30-22 defeat by Italy in Rome last Saturday.

Cooper insists the visit of Clive Woodward's Grand Slam hopefuls should hold no fears for his team as it attempts to get the public behind them.

"We've had a hard few days' training this week, trying to bring a bit of grit and passion back into our rugby. "

"Our backs are against the wall, and sometimes that is when sides are at their most dangerous.

"The thing that grates me a little bit is the fact that people are saying that England are going to walk all over us. That view shows little respect for the players in our side, and that's what really gets to me.

"I have got no doubt in my own ability and the ability of my team-mates that we are as good as England.

"We need to set out our stall early and show them that we are not going to lie down. We need to come out really firing and let them know in the first 20 minutes that it's not going to be a walkover for them.

" Hopefully, our crowd will get behind us and, as we've seen in the past, when the crowd does actually get behind the team, it can lift them to bigger heights."

After losing their Under-20s Six Nations crown to England Under-20s in a thrilling final round, France Under-20s lock Tristan Labouteley insists his side will be out for revenge at this year's Junior World Championship.